HBA HighMarks Day 2
Written by Ben Woollard, Alexandra Football and Netball Club Rebels
Today Mark Evans (General Manager - Football Operations) gave a speech on Kokoda. It certainly inspired me to go on the trip to Papua New Guinea and do the walk myself.
It would be fantastic for my footy team to go on the trek together so we could all get to really know each other, like the Hawks have done.
I had previously known a little bit about Kokoda before today’s session, but I now have learnt a lot more and it does sound like a great trip to do. It was especially interesting to see how the young Hawthorn boys (who we had dinner with last night) had to deal with the trek and work together to help each other out. It was great to see how they came out on the other side of the track.
At dinner with the players, we talked about personal interests and it was great to find out many of us have the same hobbies which was fun!
We also met Coach Alastair Clarkson. He was really interesting to listen to because he gave us heaps of advice.
He told us steps and ways to help us become footballers, which a few of us are interested in. His number one tip was to always have a footy in your hands!
He told us about his personal situation and his life growing up and shared advice on making good decisions for our future goals.
His words certainly opened my eyes to how important my decisions are. He definitely got me thinking about my future and I really want to think hard now about what I would like to do in my life.
Later in the afternoon we were shown a presentation on stress management. It was interesting to hear what contribute to my stresses.
The next time I’m feeling a bit stressed, I know a few tips now to help me figure out why I’m stressed and what to do about it and I can try and fix it!
On the whole:
I rekon today we’ve learnt quite a bit compared to yesterday. I’ve learnt a lot today from all the people who have spoken to us, it’s been really great.
Coach Alastair Clarkson with the boys.
